Author Description

For centuries, mystics have penned numerous books and treatises on ʿIrfān (Islāmic mysticism), each contributing their insights based on their unique understanding of mystical knowledge. However, nearly all of these works have focused on ʿIrfān as a theoretical discipline, with few offering an in-depth exploration of practical mysticism-the true fruit of the mystical path. This gap in literature, particularly in the area of practical mysticism, inspired Āyatullāh ʿAlī Riḍāʾī Tihrānī to undertake an extensive study of all the available works on the subject. His research led to the creation of his groundbreaking book, which offers a fresh perspective on this crucial area of mysticism. The book is structured into over twenty chapters addressing topics such as the origin of mysticism, the fiṭrah (primordial nature) of human beings, theoretical and practical mysticism, the differences between theoretical mysticism and philosophy, preliminary knowledge, skepticism about the spiritual path, Sulūk ilā Allāh (the Journey toward God (swt)), a journey beyond time and space, examining the causes of rapid progress in the spiritual journey to God, ways to attain divine love, key characteristics for recognizing perfection in a teacher, taqwā (piety)-the provision for the traveler's journey, detachment from worldly pleasures and desires of the soul, the relationship between mysticism and similar deviant paths, and the concepts of spiritual contraction (qabḍ) and expansion (bast). Specifications: 454 pages (Vol II) B/W pages 6 x 9 in Hardcover